What's your bio, solo cruisers?

[kruton1971]

40 y/o male (widowed) will be sailing "semi solo" with my 6 year old son this November. This will be my fourth cruise and his first.

Oasis of the Seas - 7 nights
Out of Ft. Lauderdale, FL
November 24, 2012

Can't wait !!!

[maxandmolly]

Just booked my first solo cruise (second in general)! Like so many others, I'm single, mid-thirties, with no friends interested in going. They all want to vacation with families. Strange, I know.
Anyway, I really enjoyed my first cruise and after lurking here, decided it was absurd to not vacation just because I'd be alone. So, I'm booked on the Carnival Freedom, 6 nights leaving November 25! The roll call thread seems quiet so far but I'm guess/hoping those typically pick up closer to sailing?

[BeagleOne]

Hi! *waving*

This year I will be 40 for the tenth time. I'm a veterinarian switching to human medicine (nursing) on an independent-study basis so I'm trying to do a couple of cruises before the real world hits again. Just did my first solo cruise and had a ball! I joined the CC roll call for my cruise, LOVED having my own cabin, made lots of friends, did some group shore excursions but also went off on my own (highlights: renting a mini-moke on Barbados and spending the entire afternoon at Maho Beach on St. Maarten with my air band radio), read 10 books in 11 days, was offline the entire time and loved it, and can't wait to go again!

My brother, SIL, and I are thinking of organizing a family cruise with me, his family, and my parents, but other than that, I plan to cruise solo for the foreseeable future.

[kubies]

Thank you to all who have posted here. You have provided me with a lot of support. I am 65 years old, a retired high school teacher, and was widowed last July. My husband and best friend of 45 years and I took 14 cruises and loved them all. I want to continue to travel, especially cruise, and am greatly heartened by reading all of your posts. I have decided to book a European River Cruise next Autumn. Maybe an Australia/New Zealand cruise in January or February if I feel very brave

[Angelus]

My name is Eric. I'm 38 yo. Live in NYC. And looooove to go cruising!!!
I've been on about a dozen cruises already, on CCL, NCL, & RCI. Most of the time I travel with groups of friends. But there have been times when I get every excuse in the book (Don't have the money. Can't get the time off work. Don't want to go anywhere. Don't like that particular itinerary.) But I don't let that stop me. I go anyway. I've already been on 3 cruises solo, and enjoyed every one. You meet so many people, that it doesn't feel like you're alone.
It all comes down to this. Don't let excuses stop you from living. Sometimes, if you wait on others, you'll never get to do the things you want to do. Life is too short for that.
So I don't let anything stop me...

[Banshee2009]

Hi,

I'm Kathleen (Kathi), and coming to this board has been the hardest thing for me to do. I usually frequent the Cunard forum, but now I see the need to come here, too. I'm 49, and my husband just passed away in February. I'm not ready to travel yet, but when I do, I'll probably be going solo. My daughter is in post-grad school, so she has little time to go anywhere. I worked as an RN before my husband passed away, but I'm still having a really hard time going back to work in that capacity. My husband was hospitalized for 8 months before coming home on hospice care, and just thinking about walking back into a hospital sends me into tears.

I prefer transatlantic cruises, and when I take one I love to visit Scotland for awhile before sailing back. I'd like to take the New England and Canada cruise in October. Then after that I think I'll be ready for another TA. I love the ocean, no matter where it is.

I live in South Carolina but too far inland to get to the beach very often. However, right now we're getting some lovely rain from Tropical Storm/Depression Beryl (thank-you, thank-you!).

I look forward to getting to know you all, and I wish you many safe and pleasant voyages.

[Lois R]

Hi Kathleen, just want say sorry for your loss.

I am in Jacksonville and Beryl hit us yesterday and all night long here
before heading up your way.......hope you stay safe too!

[BARBARA J.W.]

Hello Everyone......
My name is Barbara-52yrs,Single Never Married
and no Children........
Most of my Cruises is Solo.......
My Niece & her Family in Mississippi,,has ask
me to join them on some of their Cruises...

I am fine Cruising Solo......
And it is Fun & nice to Cruise with Family..
I am Cruising with them June-28th..
Then in Sept-Bday Cruise doing a Solo BTB......

[VenusLady]

Hi all,

I turned the big 50 this year eeek! It was quite painless, but annoying as I still feel 25 haha and still act it too!

I sadly lost my hubby suddenly 10 years ago ( he had a heart attack at the side of the road on his way home from seeing a doctor)
Since then I really not felt like going away, so spent holidays visiting family.
I decided now I'm 50 that it was time to get out there. After looking for a beach holiday, it didn't feel right? I don't think that is wise with me going alone, I don't think I would feel safe. Who would look after my purse if I fancied a dip in the pool?
I thought about a cruise years ago when on a family holiday on the Norfolk Broads lol I remember saying to my sister "one day I'm going on a ship"

Long story a bit shorter...... I decided that this year I'd book a cruise and go for it!
And now I have booked, all I seem to be doing is writing list after list of things to do before I go lol
It's been so long, it turns out I have to but a new suitcase!

I'm enjoying reading through the forum finding out things, with all the hints and tips, and things I would never have thought of!

So here's to making new friends at the start of my new life adventures!

VL

[42CruiseCrazy]

Hi Venus Lady, I predict that you will LOVE cruise holidays and this will be the first of many. A cruise is so much better (safer and more enjoyable) for solo travellers because people are friendlier and look out for each other. When you want to swim in the pool you don't have to worry about your purse because it's safe in your cabin and when you do go to the beach, you will have shipmates to go with who will watch your things. Instead of dining alone in a hotel or restaurant you can "meet & eat" with lots of other people. It is a great holiday, Just wait and see!!!

[MERCE4]

Originally Posted by Banshee2009

Hi,

I'm Kathleen (Kathi), and coming to this board has been the hardest thing for me to do. I usually frequent the Cunard forum, but now I see the need to come here, too. I'm 49, and my husband just passed away in February. I'm not ready to travel yet, but when I do, I'll probably be going solo. My daughter is in post-grad school, so she has little time to go anywhere. I worked as an RN before my husband passed away, but I'm still having a really hard time going back to work in that capacity. My husband was hospitalized for 8 months before coming home on hospice care, and just thinking about walking back into a hospital sends me into tears.

I prefer transatlantic cruises, and when I take one I love to visit Scotland for awhile before sailing back. I'd like to take the New England and Canada cruise in October. Then after that I think I'll be ready for another TA. I love the ocean, no matter where it is.

I live in South Carolina but too far inland to get to the beach very often. However, right now we're getting some lovely rain from Tropical Storm/Depression Beryl (thank-you, thank-you!).

I look forward to getting to know you all, and I wish you many safe and pleasant voyages.

Hi Kathi,

I was in a similar place three years ago - my husband passed away when I was 49. He was 52, and was in hospice care at home for four months.

Our children are now grown, and I am (after three years) ready to move on into my new "normal" life. I have booked my first solo cruise on Serenade of the Seas this July. My first Mediterranean cruise after many in the Caribbean.

Take care of yourself, and don't expect too much too soon. I wish for you many happy sailing days ahead.

Anne
merce4

[kimber0504]

Is everyone paying double fare for the singles cruise? If not, can you share your tips on how to get reduced rates please?

I am booked for a singles cruise in February where I pay for half the cabin and am part of a larger group because I was not sure how it worked to travel by myself...

Also, I never considered my vacations with my daughter (then ages 13-17) on the four Disney cruises as "solo" but I guess they would be as she was with the teens and I was frequently alone. I did enjoy the balcony and sitting out enjoying the view as the cruise traveled through the night. I also got some reading done for a change

Kim

P.S. Just booked a Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas cruise for next July--has anyone been on that ship?

[bmsj17]

I am a 45 year old widow with three kids (twin DS 11, DD 9). I have been widowed for 6+ years and have found cruising a wonderful way to travel with the kids. The kids and I will be taking a curisetour to Alaska in July. This will be the kid's 3rd cruise. We took one when they were young before DH passed. The 2nd Thanksgiving after he passed I took the kids on a DCL to the Western Caribbean. I felt like we needed to do something "different" that year with the holidays coming up. Although I don't get much alone time when we cruise because I am still making sure everybody is having a good time (and not fussing with their sibling), I am able to take the kids to the youth programs and if even for an hour get a chance to sit. Thankfully my kids are good travelers as they have also been on a 2 week tour of England, 1 week in San Diego, 1 week in Seattle/Vancouver, and 2 weeks in Hong Kong. The upcoming Alaska cruise was supposed to be a combination 40th birthday/10th anniversary cruise but alas I had to use the funds for funeral expenses. I decided it was now or never. I am looking forward to many more trips.

[bmsj17]

Originally Posted by VenusLady

Hi all,

I turned the big 50 this year eeek! It was quite painless, but annoying as I still feel 25 haha and still act it too!

I sadly lost my hubby suddenly 10 years ago ( he had a heart attack at the side of the road on his way home from seeing a doctor)
Since then I really not felt like going away, so spent holidays visiting family.
I decided now I'm 50 that it was time to get out there. After looking for a beach holiday, it didn't feel right? I don't think that is wise with me going alone, I don't think I would feel safe. Who would look after my purse if I fancied a dip in the pool?
I thought about a cruise years ago when on a family holiday on the Norfolk Broads lol I remember saying to my sister "one day I'm going on a ship"

Long story a bit shorter...... I decided that this year I'd book a cruise and go for it!
And now I have booked, all I seem to be doing is writing list after list of things to do before I go lol
It's been so long, it turns out I have to but a new suitcase!

I'm enjoying reading through the forum finding out things, with all the hints and tips, and things I would never have thought of!

So here's to making new friends at the start of my new life adventures!

VL

I am so sorry for your loss. My husband passed 6+ years ago from a sudden heart attack. Glad to hear you are going on a cruise. It is a big step. You will have a wonderful time making new friends. Remember you are not alone, there are 2,000+ new friends cruising with you.

[netekay]

Hi everyone!

I'm Lynette, 47 and a widow. I lost my husband of 13 years to a heart attack in 2008. So now it is just me and my two Shelties Darby and Brody.

I took my first solo cruise in 2009 at Christmas. It was hubby's favorite time of year and I just needed to get away. Had a fantastic time and I have booked two more solos: Allure in November and Epic in March.

Nice to "meet" everyone!!!!!

Lynette

[Ambers79]

I'm 32 or will be 33 by the time I step on my first cruise I'm going solo since no friends or family interested or can afford to go on a trip. I'm kind of glad since I like spending time alone and I'm looking forward to some quite time on my balcony to write

[Angelus]

Originally Posted by Ambers79

I'm 32 or will be 33 by the time I step on my first cruise I'm going solo since no friends or family interested or can afford to go on a trip. I'm kind of glad since I like spending time alone and I'm looking forward to some quite time on my balcony to write

Wow you booked a balcony for just yourself. Go you!
Those are too pricey for me, since solo's are stuck paying double.
Enjoy it!

[GTVCRUISER]

Cruising in 6 days and a wake up

[MrFunInTheSun]

Nice thread. 39 somewhat single here. :-) I've usually traveled With family or friends or gf. Coordinating times doesn't always work. I've always wanted to go on a cruise alone as at times when I went with others it was just a pain. Trying to get everyone to agree, etc. Guess it was a year and a half ago now I decided to finally go on a cruise alone. Let me tell you I had a great time. Only did a four day cruise. Happened to be during my birthday too which was even better. Although I seem to cruise every year at some point during that week.

I've booked my 2nd solo cruise this November, I can't wait. Will be a 6 night this time. If the 7 or 8 night was available that week for the price i paid id do that. 6 night will work though. A friend or two said they may go, but am hoping they don't. If they do, they are getting there on room. I've got a 6 night for well under $500. That's even with the double occupancy rate.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Please excuse typographical errors.

[MrFunInTheSun]

Originally Posted by mpoole3

I am 27 years old recently divorced. I love to cruise so I told myself why should I stop just because my relationship ended. So I booked my first solo cruise on The Freedom and I'm really excited about doing anything I want! However, I am kinda wondering what dinner is going to be like... Any suggestions for first time Solo?

It's a breeze really. Like you I wondered that. My first solo was on the Carnival Imagination and elected for anytime dining. Well about three weeks or so to my solo cruise I was on an 8 day on Carnival Freedom with a group. (5 of us) Well we got to know our wait staff really well during that trip to say the least. Well was I surprised when I walked into the dining room on the Imagination to be greeted by the same asst hostess on the Freedom. In any event everytime I went to to eat I always had a face I knew. Odd part was the other solo cruisers I sat near each night. By the fourth night I had sat with a group of young ladies I meet that we're on the cruise for a work function. I had a blast. It really is what one makes of it.

I've decided on my next cruise though I'm not going to elect my time dining but do the late seating and see how the cards are drawn for table mates. Worst case is I change after first night to my time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Please excuse typographical errors.